Pure Fiction

The Craft of Creative Writing

with Noelle Harrison

Saturday & Sunday

17th & 18th March 2018

Litteraturhuset, Bergen, Norway

Unblock your creativity, and learn how to craft fiction that engages your reader as Irish author Noelle Harrison guides you through an immersive St. Patrick’s Day weekend of creative writing .

What does all fiction have in common no matter where and when it is set ?

It is the importance of authenticity, but how do you write about something you may never have experienced?

Pure Fiction is an in-depth weekend writing workshop on the art of creating fiction. It will be a fun and stimulating two days suitable for all those who wish to write fiction whether beginners or more experienced.

Under the guidance of author Noelle Harrison participants will learn how to go beyond their own life experience to write stories that will engage the reader.

Although the course will be taught in English, participants can choose to write in English or Norwegian.

Through a series of workshops and practical exercises guided by Noelle you will explore:

· How to go beyond your own life experience and write engaging stories for your readers.

· How to write about places you have never been to and time-periods you have never lived in.

· How to create authentic characters of different gender, age or background and realistic dialogue.

·How to craft genuine register for your characters through their language, its vocabulary and pacing.

· How to world build whether it is contemporary, or set in the past, future or fantasy location!

· How to suspend your readers’ disbelief through structure, storyline, and subtext.

Both days at Fossestova, Litteraturhuset i Bergen

Course fee: 2000,- NOK / £190.00 for the whole weekend.

Early Bird offer: 1700, -NOK / £160.00 if you book before 1st March.

Scholarship Places for students or those on a low income at 1000, – NOK or £95 for the whole weekend. To apply send your details, and how the scholarship would benefit you to: skrivekunstkollektiv@gmail.com by 1st March.

Course fee includes coffee, tea and fruit.

For registration, questions and information about the course program, send an email to skrivekunstkollektiv@gmail.com or you can contact Noelle on noelle.harrison5@gmail.com Please include a few words about yourself.

Noelle Harrison

Noelle Harrison is the Irish author of eight novels, and has been translated into over 13 different languages. Her short stories have been published in Lines of Vision, Irish Writers on Irish Art, and in Gutter Magazine of New Scottish Writing. She has won The Meath Chronicle Short Story Award, and has been shortlisted for the Molly Keane Short Story Award, and The Hennessey New Irish Writing Short Story Award. Noelle has extensive experience of teaching writing workshops in Ireland, Scotland, Norway and London, and is a founder of Aurora Writers Retreats.

In February 2017 Noelle co-hosted Aurora Writers Retreats First Days of Spring Writing Retreat in the Scottish Borders. She previously taught How To Write A Book in June 2016 and Picture This! in November 2017 at Litteraturhuset in Bergen co-hosted by Skrivekunstkollektivet in Norway. Noelle co-hosted Aurora Writers Retreats INTO THE LIGHT, Yoga & Creative Writing Retreat in Edinburgh with Vanessa Rigby in February 2018. Having lived in Bergen for several years, Noelle now lives and works in Edinburgh in Scotland.

Noelle has been practising yoga for nearly 10 years and has found it invaluable in her life as writer. Her short story Vardø’s Daughters about the witch panic in Norway in the 17th century is published in the current issue of Gutter Magazine of New Scottish Writing and her new novel, The Gravity of Love, will be published by Black and White Publishing in May 2018.

Testimonials

‘I took part in Aurora Writers’ two-day writer’s retreat in Lauder, Scotland in February 2017 with Noelle Harrison and Melody Nixon. Their approach was clear, practical and inspiring. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced writer,
the teaching catered to every level. Noelle and Melody’s experience, knowledge and know-how leaves you roaring to write. If you get the chance to attend one of Aurora Writers’ Retreats don’t pass it up!’

Ila Moldenhauer, Bergen, Norway

SCOTTISH BORDERS RETREAT, FEBRUARY 2017

“My experience with Noelle, both working with her and attending PICTURE THIS!, is that she is a devoted and charismatic teacher. She connects with participants in a very special way so that the creative work is focused. Noelle has built very structured yet dynamic and enriching courses. The fact that she guides you step-by-step make her courses particularly attractive. The result is that you get to experience what she is teaching rather than hear about it. Creative blocks and fear of writing melt away and creativity kicks in. By taking one of Noelle’s writing courses, I believe you get a deeper understanding of what the craft of writing is and what your role should be in wanting to master it.”

Karen Rosenstock, Litteraturhuset Bergen & Skrivekunstkollektivet

PICTURE THIS, NOVEMBER 2017

Last year I did a short story course with Noelle Harrison at Aurora Writers. I wrote The Spirit of the Lake, an idea that I had been tolling with for a while. But Noelle managed to make me focused and together we turned the story into something that I am really proud of! If you have time and chance to do a course with Noelle, don’t hesitate!!

Nina Rolland, Bergen, Norway.

PICTURE THIS, NOVEMBER 2017

‘After a day at Aurora Writers Into The Light Yoga & Creative retreat in Edinburgh, I am adorned with the armour of my intrepid warrior self, the peaceful warrior and the creative warrior. No longer shall I walk this journey of literary and creative discovery on my own. No longer shall I be the lackey of self-doubt and trepidation. With my new literary companions from Aurora’s Writers’ Retreats forever by my side, fuelling me with the memories of an unforgettable and powerful session and a connectivity that stretches from Harrogate to Scotland, across to Norway and around the world, bringing together all women who have a bloody good story to tell.*

Francesca Hepton, Harrogate, U.K.

INTO THE LIGHT, EDINBURGH FEBRUARY 2018

Aurora Writers' Retreats

We are a collective of writers passionate about creating time, space and motivation for others to deepen the practice of writing through our creative writing retreats set in locations of natural beauty around the world.

Each of our Aurora Writing Retreats has a different focus connected to the time of year, and its location, while taking a holistic approach to the practice of writing.

Working in collaboration with other writers, artists, and even yoga instructors, we have developed a retreat method that nurtures and supports participants whether they are beginning to write, working on a book, or established as a published author.